Chapter 2/ Muhammad and the Founding of Islam

Muhammad and the Founding of Islam:

Arabia Prior to Islam:

-People earned a living from agriculture and trading

-Made up of sedentary and nomadic communities
-Society was organized according to clans; which in turn made up larger tribes
-Prior to the introduction of Islam, Arabia had no central government and tribes controlled government types jobs
-People looked to religion for comfort
-Believed in many gods: For example, jinn and Allah

The Town of Mecca:

-The most followed deities in Mecca and the surrounding regions were three goddesses that were rumored to be the daughters of Allah
-Every year, all tribesmen visited Mecca in order to visit the Ka'bah
-The pilgrimage was known as the hajj, and included a ceremonial procession around a sacred shrine
-Mecca was a commercial center, but served as a religious center as well

Muhammad's Early Life:

-In Mecca, the "merchant clans" were in control of the religious life of the town, and were careful not to let any new practices into their society
-Muhammad became a merchant, but found only some satisfaction with that way of life
-He began to question the route both his life and society was taking

The Coming of Revelation:

- Muhammad experienced strange visions. For example, the angel Gabriel appeared before Muhammad in human form

-At first he thought he was going CRAZY

- He was overwhelmed and only told a few friends and close followers at first

-Muhammad= "The Messenger of God"

-Muhammad declared that there was only one god; Allah. He preached of his power, and that the day of judgement was to come

-He also called on people to believe solely in Allah; not to break the oneness

The Opposition to Muhammad:

- The top Meccan families turned against Muhammad and threatened him in many ways, so he realized that he and his followers had to leave Mecca

-Asleep one night near the Ka'bah, Muhammad was woken by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel guided him to Jerusalem, then from a rock he ascended to heaven, and met with great prophets such as Abraham, Jesus and Moses

-Mecca---> =very important in Muhammad's life and the establishment of the Islamic community

- This journey (a.k.a Hijrah) also marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar

Muhammad: Politics and Prophethood

- Lots of responsibilies in Medina: stop fighting, find shelter for Meccans, going up against the merchant clans who wished to kick him out, and other Islamic preachings

-Medina was big on agriculture but the Meccans have NO idea how to. So Muhammad has them do something a little more familiar, RAID!!!!!!!!!

The Clash of Arms:

-Clash between the Meccans and Muslims

-Muslims win! They believe that it is the work of divine guideance

-"Allahu Akbar" - (God is most great)

Victory and the Final Pilgrammage:

-In 630, Muhammad controlled most of the peninsula

- On the 10th day of the pilgrimage, Muhammad spoke to the Muslims in his last great sermon

-He urged them to maintain the unity of Islam

- Muhammed left for Medina, and this is known as the "Farewell Pilgrimage". Shortly after his return to Mecca Muhammed fell ill and died. :(

-Pro: He brought Gods words to earth through the Koran. Con: He founded a community that was very dependent on his leadership. His death left them needing to find a new successor to Muhammad....